I've wanted a labret or lip piercing for a long time. I've spent a lot of time looking at pictures and reading experiences the past few months, and had decided on a vertical labret. I called Kaleidoscope to find out who was piercing, then got ready to go.
At A Glance Author Carrie Contact Carrie@bme.anon IAM carrie420 When It just happened Artist Qui Qui Studio Kaleidoscope Location Springfield, MO I got there and told the girl at the counter I wanted to get a new piercing. I explained what it was I wanted, they called it an Angels Kiss. She checked my ID and had me read and fill out a form. She asked if I would mind her watching because she's been thinking about getting one done and would really like to watch. I told her that was fine, I don't mind at all. So she had me sit on the couch while she let Qui Qui know I was there and what I wanted done. After a few minutes he came back to the counter and checked my lips. He made sure I wanted it in the center and said I had a very nice center line. He said he thought I'd really like having it and that it wasn't a very common piercing in this area. So I paid my $60 and he had me wait a few minutes while he did a little clean up in the room then came back out and got me.
We went over aftercare, he told me I would get the same aftercare solution that I got with most of my piercings and that I would take care of it pretty much the same as my eyebrow piercing. Cleaning solution on a Q-Tip 2-3 times a day. Try not to move it and don't change the jewelry for at least 3 months, it takes up the 3 months to heal completely even though it will look and feel healed before then but changing the jewelry before then just wasn't a good idea. He said it would swell slightly but taking ibuprofen specifically would help with swelling and any discomfort being that it's an anti-inflammatory. He didn't use a longer barbell to accommodate swelling, but said he's never had to switch them out for longer. He said if I notice it swelling to the point where it's pulling the top ball down into it to come back as soon as I can to get a longer one put in, but again he's never had any problems with that.
He explained he would use the same jewelry they use for eyebrows. Told me to be sure to check my balls everyday. He explained that it's a wet tissue piercing so if the bar comes out it will close up very quickly, so a good reason to check the balls often.
He put some sort of cleaning gel on my lip and under it, told me not to lick my lips it tastes horrible, then he wiped it right off. Now he was ready to mark placement. He took his time, marking, measuring and looking. He remarked it a couple times making sure to get it straight. Then he had me look at it, and said if I thought it was off not to hesitate to have him move it. It looked straight and centered to him but I've been looking at my face a lot longer than he has and wants to make sure I am happy with where it will be. But it looked perfect to me.
So we were good to go. He lined up the clamps and tightened it down, he put a cork under the bottom and got the needle. As he was putting the needle against the top of my lip he said it wouldn't be bad at all just a pinch, less than a second later the needle was in. He told me to sit real still and he was going to put the jewelry in right behind it. It was in! He put the ball on and tightened it real good. Again stressing the importance of checking them regularly. He had me get up and look at it while he got the aftercare sheet, cleaning solution, and his card ready for me. I fell in love with it instantly. The girl watching said it looked great and thanked me for letting her watch. He said if I had any questions or problems to call and if he wasn't there one of the other piercers (whom have all pierced me in the past) would be happy to help me.
Then I was on my way. On the way home I stopped at the store for a bottle of ibuprofen and a pack of straws.
There hasn't been any blood, and it's not red at all. It is just a little swollen. It was throbbing for about an hour but doesn't at all hurt anymore, just feels a little odd and there's a little bit of a tingling sensation. The piercing itself was relatively painless. Eating is awkward but doesn't hurt.
All said and done, it was a very pleasant and comfortable experience, and I'm very glad I got it done.